Join Adekemi in Fighting Hunger And Changing The World With Social Media This Month

11 September 2012

Meet Adekemi from the United States. She first learned about WFP through a game of Freerice in her Spanish class – and saw how small actions online can really add up to make a difference. Now she’s a student of public health passionate about making sure everyone has nutritious food on their plate. This month she’s taking on the role of WFP Students online intern to spread the word about how together we can solve hunger. Join her @Ademuyewhat.

What do you want to be when you "grow up"?

We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” I want to make sure that people are living to be the best that they can be by making sure they have access to nutritious food. I am currently majoring in public health for my undergraduate degree and considering a career in the field of nutrition. I would like to work with diverse population groups around the world -- from the underweight to the overweight -- and help them eat more healthfully.

What motivated you to be an online intern?

I wanted to know more about the World Food Programme and ways that I could be involved from home; that is how I stumbled upon the information for students. There was so much information and so many opportunities for students to spread awareness that a part of me was overwhelmed. I was so excited, however, that the online internship was available because it meant that I could use my skills as a future public health educator and advocate and spread the word about ending and combating hunger.

What inspires you to get involved in the fight against hunger?

When I think about how many people in the world go to bed hungry each night or how many people in the past have suffered from hunger, I wish there was something I could do for them. I think about how my family has lots of food, but that I can’t just send it half way around the world. I want to make sure students know there are options out there to help the people in need and that there is no reason you should think there is nothing you can do.

How do you think students can use social media for social change?

The largest way I see students using social media for social change is taking a stance and spreading awareness, from posting pictures on their Facebook walls to leaving links to check out on Twitter. We have the world at our fingertips since so many people use different social media outlets as a source of news. Social media and social change can go hand in hand. We just have to get the word out there and spread it!

Why are you interested in WFP and the work we do around the world?

I am very interested in WFP and their work around the world because it is making the world a better place one step at a time. I first learned about WFP back when I was in middle school and my Spanish teacher told us about Freerice.com. She said it was a good site to study from as well as a way to give back: it was fun, I was learning, and it was a rewarding experience. Ever since then, I visit freerice.com in my free time just for fun and because I know it will assist someone around the world. I plan on working for a similar organization when I am older so for now I would like to begin by learning more about the WFP and its affiliates.

What are your hopes for the future?

In the future, I hope that there will be an end to hunger. I hope that people will do all they can in their homes and schools to fight hunger, not only around the world but also in their backyard. People everywhere are struggling – we can’t fight hunger until we realize that. I don’t want to turn on the television and see sad children and struggling parents. I want to know that people around the world all have the opportunity to have a nutritious lifestyle.

Thanks for reading this story. Please tell others about it.

Hunger can be eliminated in our lifetimes

This requires comprehensive efforts to ensure that every man, woman and child enjoy their Right to Adequate Food; women are empowered; priority is given to family farming; and food systems everywhere are sustainable and resilient.